Inspire me...

Memorable Malia

This coastal town of Greece has plenty to offer in terms of culture, style and history, as well as the ever-popular unique and thrilling nightlife.

Although Malia holidays have become most popular for tourists visiting Crete, their capacity to function as a cultural and historical attraction still remains. As a result the town allures a varied demographic, with sights and sounds to suit those in search of both hedonism and education. The preserved monuments maintain the town’s rich history, particularly prevalent during day trips to Elounda and the museums and archaeological sites of Heraklion.

A plethora of nearby villages showcases quaint beaches and scenic beauty if you’d prefer to retreat from the spirited nightlife during your holidays. If you’d rather to be in the heart of the action, then there’s no place like the club strip on a summer’s night.

Life’s a Beach

When on cheap holidays to Malia, you will be blessed with six irresistible beaches, each with their own idiosyncrasies. If you’re in search of silence and sun after a night out on the main strip, then head east for a quieter atmosphere. The promenades are laced with a variety of accommodation facilities including luxury apartments and family friendly all inclusive hotels. Traditional and British restaurants are conveniently located by the beachside, along with pubs and open-air bars.

For the designated drivers, water sports are on offer during the sunny days, including jet skiing, water skiing and scuba diving. If you’d like to exercise your brain rather than your body, take a short trip to Chania or Hersonissos, where a range of museums, galleries and monasteries display the historical importance of Crete and the rest of Greece.

Delightful Days and Nourishing Nights

For an unforgettable night, the options on Malia holidays are endless. Head to Beach Road and commence your night at bars and clubs such as WKD, Candy Club and Bananas. Big name DJs provide the soundtrack to summer along with foam parties and laser shows for a multisensory clubbing experience. Many of the nightclubs open at midnight, so the nearby bars, including indoor and outdoor spaces will be sure to quench your thirst and prepare you for a lengthy night.

For a night on the tiles complimented by a dose of daytime culture, take a twenty-minute drive down to Gouves, where family friendly attractions such as the Dinosauria Exhibition Centre are coupled with British bars such as the Wembley Pub Sports Café.

If nostalgia for home isn’t on the agenda, the old town of Rethymnon will transport visitors back to the ancient days of Greece. The fanciful town maintains Venetian and Ottoman architecture through narrow streets and alleyways, exuding charm and originality on your holidays in Malia. The photogenic Renaissance buildings are coupled with an atmospheric harbour, where you can gaze at the stars in the evening while enjoying traditional Greek cuisine. When not shopping for traditional trinkets and suave souvenirs, take a trip to the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, steeped in history and surrounded by heavenly hills and gorgeous gorges.

Sunbathing

For many people, a trip to Malia means just one thing… sun! If you’re hoping to work on your tan, then you certainly won’t be disappointed with the climate here. Head down to the beautiful beach and pull up a deck chair… or simply stretch out in the golden sands. There are even bars along the beach, where you’ll be able to sip on a cocktail while you enjoy the sunshine!

Quiet spots

Hoping to get away from the crowds? Head along the beach in either direction, or even visit the attractive hamlet of Krasi, and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying a little peace and quiet. You never have to travel too far in order to find a secluded spot in Malia!

Hot spots

Those looking for excitement and a lively atmosphere you will find it in abundance down at the beaches of Malia and Stalis. Here there is a colourful beach culture, with a great provision for sports and games, as well as a wide range of bars, and frequent beach parties that start later in the evening!

Diving

There are some great spots for diving, located not far along the coast from Malia. There are plenty of places to hire out scuba gear, and the superb underwater visibility in the area means that you will have no problem at all in spotting some of the weird and wonderful marine life of the area.

Clubs

For many people, Malia will be best known for its superb range of nightclubs. There are a disproportionately large number of venues on offer for such a small town, and when you head into the centre of the resort you’ll be able to find a great range of clubs offering live music, DJs, and dance floors that stay busy right into the early hours of the morning.

Bars

There is a great range of bars on offer around the resort town of Malia. Most of these can be found in the centre, but there is also a good string of venues located along the beach. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of premium beverages, and many also specialise in creating exotic cocktails!

Tavernas

If you want to experience the true Greek culture of Malia, then pay a visit to one of the town’s more traditional tavernas. There are quite a few to choose from, and these popular drinking spots are a great place to come if you are hoping to experience a taste of the local culture. From popular Greek bar snacks to live music and dancing, Malia’s tavernas often provide a lively night out.

Hotels

Anyone hoping for a little comfort and luxury during their trip will be spoilt for choice with Malia’s superb range of top quality hotels. There are a good number of properties situated close to the central clubbing district, and you’ll be able to enjoy some great deals when you book a stay as a part of a group.

Cuisine

Be sure to try out the local cuisine, during your trip to Malia. You’ll be able to find a great range of romantic restaurants, where you can dine out in style… choosing from either international favourites, or a range of traditional Greek dishes, expertly prepared to age-old recipes.

Romance

If you’re looking for a romantic break, then Malia would be a great place to come. Not only will you find some terrific beaches on offer, but the town is set in a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and olive groves… providing the perfect backdrop for your romantic break!

Hotels

Looking for a comfortable base for your romantic break to Malia? You certainly won’t have to look far! You can check in to the fabulous Nikos hotel for example, and enjoy first class service in luxurious surroundings. There are plenty of others as well, such as the El Komi or Mare hotels, which also cater well for couples.

Things To Do

There’s more to do in Malia than just lounging around on beaches... as you’ll soon see for yourself! Anyone fond of hiking or cycling will find some beautiful scenery inland, as well as a range of dramatic coastal paths. Alternatively, you could enjoy a spa treatment, or even try your hand at some exciting water sports during your stay.

Old Town

Malia’s Old Town is a great place to go if you’re looking to sample some of the local flavour. Here, an intricate network of narrow streets and cobbled alleys wind between the traditional Greek houses and an array of market stalls sell everything from fresh fruit to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Culture

While it has earned itself something of a reputation as a popular resort town, Malia also boasts a richly traditional culture – if you’re prepared to look a little deeper. Head into the old town, or visit one of the tavernas outside of the resort centre. Here you’ll be able to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, in addition to native song and dance.

History

If you’re looking for local history during your trip to Malia, then you’ll certainly find it… a great place to start your explorations would be at the grand Palace of Malia. There are some great architectural tours on offer, and this fascinating Minoan Palace is believed to have been built as early as 1900BC.

Marina

Then again, if it’s beautiful sea views you’re after, then take a trip down to the Marina. Here you’ll be able to see for miles out to sea, as well as admiring the picturesque rows of fishing and sailing boats that bob gracefully in the harbour. There are even opportunities for taking a boat trip from here.